Before 1990, most health and public services were planned, as well as directly provided, by health authorities and local authorities.

This Act split the role of health and local authorities by changing their internal structure.

This meant that local authority departments and, in some cases, family doctors, took on responsibility for assessing the needs of the local population and then purchasing the necessary services from 'providers'.

To become a provider in the internal market, health organisations became NHS trusts, independent organisations with their own managements, competing with each other.

The idea of community care was that, for example, people with a chronic illness or in need of long-term care, who would have lived in a state-run institution under the previous care service, would now be able to live either in their own home, with adequate care and support, or in a residential home setting.

Every authority is now expected to assess the care needs of any person with a disability, impairment, illness or mental health problem, then decide what provision of care is needed for them, and ensure that this care package is administered effectively.

The conservative governments that were in power in the 1980s were strong believers that families should take responsibility for their relations and that they should not immediately rely on the state for support.

Also during the 1980s the Government carried out a study on how best to deliver social care and in 1990 the NHS and Community Care Act was passed.

Community Care therefore came about for several reasons:

concerns regarding the cost of the existing system

demographic reasons (people now living longer)

changes in the attitude towards care practice

political views about family responsibilities

the idea of creating a 'mixed economy of care'.

The independent sector in social care has been growing rapidly over the past few years, and private and voluntary agencies have been encouraged by the introduction of the Act.

Most residential care such as nursing homes are run privately and many home care agencies and day centres are either run by volunteers or operate as private services.

Most residential care such as nursing homes are run privately and many home care agencies and day centres are either run by volunteers or operate as private services.

Many 'meals on wheels' services are also run by voluntary organisations.

The independent sector in social care has been growing rapidly over the past few years, and private and voluntary agencies have been encouraged by the introduction of the Act.

Comments

A great mind map which clearly identifies the key aspects of the Community Care Act as well as the agencies which the act supports when providing care to service users. This is very detailed and the test yourself aspect of this resources further enhances revision. Excellent !